WMCCA Meeting Changes

Citizens Against Beltway Expansion to address public.

In a change, West Montgomery County Citizens Association announced that Thursday, Nov. 15 would be the date of its November meeting as. Usually monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month.

“We took this extraordinary step in order to honor one of our own at WMCCA. Susanne Lee, frequent president and zoning chair, will be honored by the Potomac Chamber of Commerce as 2018 Citizen of the Year. The awards banquet is being held on Nov. 15 and many of our [board of directors] want to be present to attend and honor Susanne. I have the pleasure of presenting her with the award that evening,” WMCCA president Ginny Barnes wrote in the Association’s November newsletter. “As an environmental lawyer, she has guided WMCCA through many a legal tangle at the county, state, and even Federal level. We couldn't be effective without her. It is so good to see those who volunteer skills quietly and consistently over the years rewarded for their contributions.”

CABE is a citizen’s group opposing Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s proposal to widen the Beltway and Route 270. That plan also comes with toll lanes [Lexus Lanes] “… like the ones in Northern Virginia that can top $42 during the rush hour,” according to the group’s website www.cabe495.com.

“A coalition of citizen organizations have joined voices to oppose the project,” according to the WMCCA newsletter. “WMCCA is among the opposition because these Lexus Lanes threaten to cut a destructive swath through our neighborhoods, destroy businesses, parklands, and vital stream watersheds causing untold environmental damage. The daily toll cost to use the additional lanes could reach $45 a day. A study identifying various alternatives is currently underway. An alternative could be chosen early in 2019 when the MD Department of Transportation completes the alternative study. The decision will rest with the Maryland. State Legislature and Governor Hogan. We need to know the health, noise, environmental, and community impacts. For more information, go to www.CABE495.org. Please plan to attend and learn what we are facing.”

WMCCA meets at 7:15 p.m. at Potomac Community Recreation Center, 11315 Falls Road. All members of the community are invited.

Meanwhile it is time for membership renewal. Annual dues are $25 for individuals or $50 per family. Membership forms can be found at www.wmcca.org. The group also accepts donations to it legal fund.

“We appreciate the input from our neighbors and are glad to review and address issues as they affect the Potomac Subregion Master Plan, zoning, and environmental threats to the ‘Green Wedge,’ our creeks and water supplies, and the Agricultural Reserve,” Barnes wrote.